Look On The Bright Side

Look On the Bright Side. It's often said and often brushed off as almost too common a suggestion. Yet, I invite you to explore the meaning of those words and realize there's a lot of depth there.

We are the drivers of our own destiny and are propelled or limited by our thinking more than anything else. A positive attitude will bring about joy and abundance. Yesterday was my first day back in the mountains. A storm was brewing. Looking to the east, the horizon looked bleak, grey, lifeless. Looking to the west, the sun peered through adding color and life to a majestic but stoic scene. I chose to look on the bright side and went out for a long trek. I felt so fortunate to be where I was. I appreciated the light even more because of the dark. The contrast was incredible and rich. Had I looked only to the east, I may have been discouraged and missed the moment.

Don't let your life be made up of missed opportunities. There is something to be gained in every interaction, things to be learned from nature, beauty to be appreciated in silence. The world is abundant with opportunities  as long as you are open to receive those messages. Look for them in each exchange, around each corner. Find yourself appreciative of little and big things. Listen to the people you love and those you don't. Your life will be enriched with goodness and you will feel ignited -- as if this were the first day you are truly living. These are the benefits of Looking On The Bright Side and they are encouraging. - Debra Riggs

10 Ways to Find Happiness

by Dr. Robert Holden

Happiness is life's most cherished goal. On every continent, in every country and in every culture, when people are asked, "What do you want?" the most popular answer is "happiness." When parents are asked, "What do you most want for your children?" the answer is "happiness." Happiness is the goal that makes other life goals—like success, prosperity and relationships—feel meaningful and enjoyable.

It's official—the pursuit of happiness has sped up! We are chasing after happiness faster than ever. And the faster we run, the longer the race becomes. In recent years, our happiness levels have not risen. We are experiencing what researchers call "static happiness." In the 1940s, when people were asked, "How happy are you?" the average score was 7.7 out of 10. Most recently, the average score was 7.2 out of 10.

Are you in search of happiness? Try my 10 tips to find happiness in your life. NEXT